On the occasion of this year’s World Environment Day, celebrated annually on 5 June, Dunedin, a UNESCO Creative City of Literature has released a digital anthology titled “The Heat is On: Young Writers on the Climate Change Crisis: a free digital”. The participants are young writers, under the age of 20 from 15 Creative Cities of Literature from all over the globe, featuring their works in both their mother tongue and English.

This initiative showcases thought-provoking writing pieces that aim to spark conversation and nurture awareness of the emergency of climate change, by presenting the perspectives and concerns of those who are likely to feel its affects firsthand.

Accompanied by original artworks and photography, the compositions are introduced by a foreword from the Secretary General of New Zealand’s National Commission for UNESCO, highlighting the connection between UNESCO’s priorities and the content of the anthology. An insightful introduction from the Mayor of Dunedin also precedes the pieces, in which he shares his vision and concerns for the future generations.

By giving space to young international writers to express themselves, “The Heat is On” aims to captivate and inspire not only young readers, who are key actors in creating a greener future, but also people from all countries and all spheres of society. Thanks to this collaborative project, the presented works demonstrate the global emergency of climate change, and offer culturally different perspectives on the climate crisis, in order to develop new insights and solutions for a cleaner future, in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

To access the free digital anthology, please use the following link: https://hail.to/dunedin-unesco-city-of-literature/publication/Pl6orjw/